When actress Zendaya Coleman dropped out of the production of “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B” (due to the Haughton family not being on board with the film, and what she called “production issues,” as well as speculation that she was upset over fan backlash calling her “too light-skinned”), we knew the new actress would have to have a thick skin to power through all the daggers thrown at this controversial movie.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight (ET), chosen actress Alexandra Shipp revealed she was up for the challenge. With a big personality and loads of confidence, Shipp admitted to being scared, but felt she really needed to pursue the role. “I don’t know, something in me was like you have to do this. You’re going to love this experience more than anything,” she told ET’s Kevin Frazier.
Even though it’s been reported that Lifetime couldn’t get clearance to use Aaliyah’s music in the film, Shipp revealed it’s her singing vocals being used in the film. She then breaks out singing “The One I Gave My Heart To.”
The controversial biopic is set to premiere on November 15 at 8/7c on Lifetime. Check the interview below:
